Hennie Symington

Dear Verse-a-day readers,

I've had the privilege of writing this month's devotions from faraway Japan where only 1% of the population profess to be Christians. What a joy to behold the dedication and the joy of those who've found Jesus Christ. A decision to choose Christ is not undertaken lightly - one of our members took 15 years to decide and is now a dedicated member of the church. For me it has meant looking at my own faith from a new perspective and what a joy that has been. May you find new insights in this month's Easter Devotions. God bless.  Hennie Symington

Keep you promise, Lord And forgive my sins

     For they are many. Psalm 25:11

But God has shown us how much he loves us – it was while we were still sinners that Christ died for us! Romans 5:8

We are all in need of forgiveness. Perhaps because we are the only creatures in creation, apart from God and the angels who carry within us the knowledge of good and evil. All of us know how awful we feel when we’ve treated someone badly and how difficult it often is for that person to forgive. You can pretend all you want that it doesn’t bother you, but in your heart you want to be forgiven. We can’t really handle it if people think badly of us.

How does one ask for forgiveness? In a world where instant gratification is the norm it is easy to say “sorry” without really meaning it and without truly comprehending what you did to upset someone so deeply that he or she just doesn’t see their way clear to forgiving you. Forgiveness has a price tag to it. It doesn’t come free.

So what does it take to convince the other party that you are truly sorry? You need to confront the one you’ve harmed and name your transgression saying: “I am deeply sorry that I embarrassed, demeaned or insulted you in the company of others.” Don’t try to underplay what you did with comments such as “I didn’t think you were so touchy” or “I was just joking”. When your say that the other person hears you saying that it wasn’t all that, bad and that you are not taking the hurt you caused to heart. Confessing and asking for pardon often goes hand in hand with tears and deep remorse.

Make a promise such as “I will not do this again,” and stick to it. Then take time to think deeply about your motives and the reasons for acting in a certain way. Say to yourself: “I believe in forgiveness and the possibility of growing spiritually because I acknowledge that I was wrong and I want to change my way of doing things.”

Prayer: Lord, forgive me for I have sinned. I have harmed someone with my words and actions. Help me to search my heart to keep me from hurting others again. Amen